Oyam, Uganda – Oyam District’s leaders took a stand for equity and improved infrastructure during a spirited consultative meeting on Uganda’s National Development Plan Phase IV (NDP IV) held on November 28, 2024 at the district hall.
The meeting, chaired by Ayubu Tenywa, Assistant Resident District Commissioner, brought together local leaders and representatives from the National Development Authority (NDA) to discuss strategies for Uganda’s development until 2040.
At the heart of the discussion, Oyam District Chairperson Hon. Benson Dila Oyuku made a powerful plea for more resources in key sectors, such as road networks, healthcare and education.
“We need more attention in Oyam, especially in essential services. There’s a clear imbalance—Lango region has only one general hospital, while Acholi has four,” Oyuku stated, slamming the table in frustration.
Irene Kapyelengat Kamsawani, Deputy CAO of Oyam, added that successful planning requires seamless coordination between local and central governments.
“We need to ensure that national policies address local realities,” she said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for effective development.
Hellen Kella Akongo, Oyam’s Geneva Global representative, criticized the inadequate focus on education, calling it a fundamental pillar for Uganda’s growth.
“Without investing in human capital, our development efforts will falter,” she warned.
Benedict Agunsi, Oyam’s Senior Planner, defended local planners, saying that while they are often blamed for poor planning, the real issue lies in implementation.
“Planners design, but it’s the engineers who bring it to life,” he explained, expressing frustration over delays in executing plans.
Chris Nokrac, NDA representative, assured the attendees that their concerns would be reflected in the final NDP IV draft, which aims to drive Uganda’s growth through industrialization, urbanization and technological advancements.
The meeting concluded with a strong call for policies that ensure equitable development for all regions of Uganda, particularly those like Oyam, which are often overlooked.
